Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
If you grew up watching American movies, you probably have a certain image of the United States—a land where dreams come true, everyone’s chasing success, and patriotism runs deep. But hey, there's so much more to the US than what Hollywood shows us!
Today, we’ve put together a collection of intriguing and surprising things about life in America that might catch you off guard, leave you questioning some stereotypes, or make you realize that life in the U.S. isn’t always as glamorous as it seems in the movies. So, Pandas, let's dive into the real deal!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
"We Don't Know Your Address"
RELATED:
#2
A Normal Education In America
#3
This Is America
America is a place full of quirks that can feel completely foreign to outsiders. From the suspiciously big serving sizes to tipping for a cup of coffee to even just how people go about their lives, the experience of being in America can be a real shocker for visitors and new immigrants.
And while some things don’t fully make sense until you’re actually there, these posts give you a fun glimpse into the quirks of American life. They might not prepare you for everything, but they’ll definitely show you a unique side of the States.
#4
The Guy On The Left Has Had A Slew Of Signs Like This
Kristy Marion 3 months ago
Women voting is what will hopefully save America this election cycle!
#6
Florida Teacher Here. This Is Our School's "Library" Now
Florida passed a law that said no books can be displayed in a school until they've been reviewed and approved by an appointed team. If a teacher shows a book that has not been approved, they could be charged with a felony.
When it comes to food, it seems like bigger is always better for Americans. Whether it’s a pizza or a soda, the portion size is often double what you’d get in other countries. So, what’s considered a large soda in Europe might just be a medium in the States.
#7
Alabama Banned Abortions
#8
"Not Medically Necessary"
#9
United States Of Convenience
Apart from their supersized food, Americans have a reputation of being fans of sugared beverages as well. If you are planning on visiting the US, prepare for a lot of flavored sodas and sweet iced teas.
Compared to countries like Italy, where people sip on small, strong espressos, or Japan, where green tea is the norm, US drinks are super sweet and come in sizes that could last all day.
#10
Only In America Would A Restaurant Display On The Wall That They Don’t Pay Their Staff Enough To Live On
#11
America's Response To The COVID-19 Global Pandemic All Boiled Down To One Picture
#12
I Had To Pay $39.35 To Hold My Baby After He Was Born
On top of this, they have truly become successful at being able to do things quickly, especially when it comes to food. There are many fast food places in the States that come with drive-thru features. But that’s not simply it.
There are even drive-thru pharmacies, banks, and coffee shops. In other countries like Spain, people usually enjoy sit-down meals with friends and family. To these people, the concept of taking a cup of coffee through the window is quite alien.
#13
Bulletproof Backpack Inserts
#14
America: A Nation Of Many Layers
#15
A Gun Store And A Daycare Center Sharing The Same Building. God Bless America
While tipping is a common practice in many countries, it is practically a requirement in the States. And no, you can't skimp on tips—15-20% is the expected norm at restaurants.
On the contrary, in countries like Japan, there is an actual cultural principle not to tip anyone, and a good number of European nations include the gratuity within the bill itself.
#16
The Bill For My Liver Transplant – Welcome To The USA
#17
Not Sure If This Belongs Here But In My Opinion, This Is The Real Problem With America
#18
America In 4 Words
Medical bills in the US can be shockingly high compared to countries with universal healthcare, like Canada or the UK. In those places, most people do not have to pay for doctor’s visits, surgeries and staying in the hospital, because this is financed by the state. Here, on the other hand, a simple visit to an emergency department could lead to a bill that runs into hundreds of thousands of dollars.
#19
On Hold With Covered California For Over 11 Hours Because They Canceled Our Health Insurance
#20
It Finally Happened. I Was Prompted To Tip At The Airport Self-Checkout Station
#21
A Final Warning To Protestors In The Mall Of America
When it comes to holidays, Americans don’t get much vacation time. With an average of just two weeks of paid vacation, they might feel rushed to squeeze in their trips. Compare that to countries like France or Germany, where five to six weeks of paid holiday is the norm. So it is no surprise that Europeans are said to go globetrotting more often.
#22
Just Got My $39k Hospital Bill For Having A Stroke At 34
Libstak 3 months ago (edited)
My brother had a stroke at 32. One year in hospital including therapy, years of specialist and hospital visits, procedures for stents you name it, he went through it. Passed 11 years ago at 56. Total bill...$0. Except for medications which were capped at $500 annually, after that free.
#23
Paid Leave By Country
#24
Does Anyone Else Hate That We’ve Normalized Not Putting Back Your Cart? I Just Find It Lazy (In The US)
When living in the US, it is usually hard to get around without a car unless you are located in a major city like New York or Chicago. On the other hand, when people go to places like India, Bangladesh or other Asian countries, they find and enjoy superb public transportation facilities such as railroads, buses and three-wheeler vehicles.
#25
Only In America
#26
I Was Forced To Throw Away Bags Of Bread While At Work. There Is A Homeless Shelter Two Miles From Where I Work. All Of This Food Wasted
#27
This Bill Is Crazy
#28
$12,000 Worth Of Cancer Pills
In the end, America is a land of unique customs and habits that can leave outsiders both amused and bewildered. Which of these quirks did you find the most amusing? Was it the supersized portions or the drive-thru culture? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
#29
Meanwhile, In California
#30
Screw You, USA Today
#31
I Have An Autoimmune Disorder. This Is The Amount Of Bills I Received For A Single Diagnostic Test Due To Insurers Negligence And A Clerical Error. US Healthcare: Do Better
#32
What My School Gave Its Teachers For Teacher Appreciation Week. Seven Starburst And A Square Foot Of Bubble Wrap. Score
WindySwede 3 months ago
Stress relief bubble wrap? At least cheaper that the stroke medical bill! 🤬
#33
Is It Like That Right Now In America?
#34
Drove To An Urgent Care To Have My Throat Looked At, Got To An Exam Room, And Learned They Were Only Doing Telehealth Visits When They Wheeled This In
Geoffrey Scott 3 months ago
Not to one-up..but went to an urgent care that I had visited before for a Upper Resp infection. Got a bill for the whole amount, when my BC/BS should have paid 80%. Upon investigation it was reclassified by the conglomerate as a Ready Care, or, an offsite ER. Oh...the hospital ER is 4 blocks away. I refused to pay any more than my 20% co-pay due to their "subterfuge". They threatened credit reporting after a few months. Called my (GOP) Rep. and explained the situation. I sent them 20% right after my call to my Rep. Got an e-mail from McClaren telling me it was paid in full.
#35
What's The Point Of Putting A Paper Lid If There's Plastic Under It?
#36
Got Charged 9k For A Doctor To Tell Me It Was Just Period Cramps, And After Going To Another Doctor It Was A Ruptured Ovarian Cyst
#37
This Classy Individual Climbed On Our Porch To Steal Our Flag Today. Then Promptly Threw It Into A Mud Puddle
Savannah greenleaf 3 months ago
Clear fishing line with small hooks tied around the base of the flag. My grandmother did this when she was fed up with the theft. Never was stolen again.
#38
Classic America
Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het 3 months ago (edited)
Do you think if Jesus came back he'd be toting guns like Rambo?
#39
Can We Ban This From Our Beaches
#40
This Year, Give Your Special Someone The Gift Of Accessing The American Healthcare System
Tucker Cahooter 3 months ago
Given the medical costs shown in the other posts, I am wondering what exactly a $49 gift card will get you. "Hello, I'm Dr Smith...sorry, your time is up"
#41
First Child Support Payment In Three Years. I Asked My Ex Why He Paid Only Fifty Cents, And He Showed Me The Receipt Where He Paid $300. The State Of Michigan Kept $299.50 In Fees
#42
Only In America
The sticker says: "Do not tailgate me. Antisocial gun-toting sociopath behind the wheel. Please just go around".
#43
Alabama, Ladies And Gentlemen
Nathaniel He/Him Cis-Het 3 months ago (edited)
I'd rather let the devil get me than the evil pastors.
#44
Bathroom Passes. Each Circle Represents One Pass. We Get One Of These Papers Per Semester. To Get More, We Have To Arrange An Appointment With The Administration
#45
My School Bag Check Line
#46
Came For Boxer Briefs. Everything Is Locked Up. I Had To Track Someone Down Just To Get These Unlocked
I pointed at a 10-pack and said “The 10-pack in medium” and they grabbed a 6-pack… Of course, I didn't check (which adds to my mild infuriation) just because I thought they saw and heard. They were both the same price so it only made sense. Didn't realize until I got home. Thought it was fine cause I had to get tums, to find the same thing… And find another associate. Finding someone took about 5 minutes. The funny thing is they just hand it over right after and let you take it to the front.
#47
Lady Goes To Self-Checkout, Makes The Attendant Unload Her Cart, Scan, And Bag Each Item
Note that she had way more items than you should for self-checkout, and a recommendation was made by the employee that she consider going to the standard checkout, which had nobody in line, and she refused.
#48
My Local Grocery Chain Sells Individually Shrink-Wrapped Potatoes At $1.29 A Piece
#49
Never Forget… To Buy Things
Add New Image
What do you think ?
John Harrison 2 months ago (edited)
Eric and I had a nice little p^ssing contest going on, here. Did it get deleted by an admin? Edit: Several hours later, reading through this list it's clear that MANY comments got deleted. Entire exchanges are gone. The admins got their clicks and then didn't want ugly remains of the battle lying around?
Load More Replies...
Fat Harry (Oi / You) 3 months ago
Carl Roberts apparently thinks voting for the "cackling idiot" appointed without a primary vote is somehow worse than voting for the orange, cackling, narcissistic, lying, convicted felon who his party ACTUALLY VOTED FOR. Carl, you're living in a dreamland, mate. There's one adult standing for president, and it ain't the orange nutcase. VOTE BLUE.
Load More Replies...
Verena 3 months ago
This is not bashing, the majority is a summary of standard daily situations. And other parts of the world with a comparable standard of living are doing things different. It happens that several of these are handled in a more acceptable way for the average citizen than in the US. Some situations are the same, and a few turn out better in the US.
Freya the Wanderer 2 months ago
True patriotism is not "My country, right or wrong." True patriotism is being willing to criticize what is wrong with your country and taking what measures you can to improve it: petitions, voting, peaceful demonstrations, etc.
Load More Replies...
Bald Panda 3 months ago
Friendly reminder that if you click on articles like this or interact in other ways (commenting on posts, up/downvoting posts, upvoting the whole "article"), it only teaches the algorithm "oooo this is popular, more content like this please!". So just downvote and move on with your day. We all know that the 'America ain't perfect' content is excessive on here. No need to comment the same. Just downvote and move on. BP aren't gonna read the comments, only take the number of comments as a measure of success. And yes I realise that by commenting I have added to the issue, just taking one for the team to try and help out.
Sergio Bicerra 2 months ago
I'm gonna follow your advice. Like, is funny to mock the USA (a lot) but is the country that opened its arms to my sister and BIL and they're happy there, so I should be a little more thankful on their behalf to their people.
Load More Replies...
LSD 3 months ago
As an Australian, this list left me feeling sad, angry and totally bewildered for anyone who “lives” in America.
Amy E 3 months ago
It’s hard to leave friends and family, careers and homes. And I love the weather in CA. but yeah…my friends and I at least talk about what it’d be like to leave…
Load More Replies...
Tamra 2 months ago
But you do appear to be a bigoted douchebag, so congrats on that.
Load More Replies... Amy E 3 months ago
Was this almost unreadable for anyone else, only bc the page refreshed constantly, putting me back at the beginning? F****** annoying af.
Bat cat in a hat 3 months ago
Yeah it happens a lot to me for a few weeks now (I'm using a laptop)
Load More Replies... 
Gypsy Lee 2 months ago
Another selective h*te-on-America post that fails to acknowledge every country has bad things going on. No, we're not perfect, but guess what - neither is any other country. The whole trendy h*te America thing is getting old BP. If you HAVE to do h*te articles spread the love around, otherwise, it makes you look biased. I'm disappointed. For "Perfectly capturing life in the US" - you failed. Horribly. I thought you might have one positive thing to say, but no. And for the h*te I'm going to get for posting this; If BP laser-focused on only the bad in any other country the author would be shut down. Be honest. If America fell off the earth tomorrow the Karens of the world would find a new country to rip apart. Not everything in the US is horrible - you get to see the drama that sells stories. Nobody shows the normal positive stuff. - If this comment upsets you, ask yourself why. (deleting negative comments doesn't justify this article and the h*te it generates)
John Harrison 2 months ago (edited)
Eric and I had a nice little p^ssing contest going on, here. Did it get deleted by an admin? Edit: Several hours later, reading through this list it's clear that MANY comments got deleted. Entire exchanges are gone. The admins got their clicks and then didn't want ugly remains of the battle lying around?
Load More Replies... Fat Harry (Oi / You) 3 months ago
Carl Roberts apparently thinks voting for the "cackling idiot" appointed without a primary vote is somehow worse than voting for the orange, cackling, narcissistic, lying, convicted felon who his party ACTUALLY VOTED FOR. Carl, you're living in a dreamland, mate. There's one adult standing for president, and it ain't the orange nutcase. VOTE BLUE.
Load More Replies... Verena 3 months ago
This is not bashing, the majority is a summary of standard daily situations. And other parts of the world with a comparable standard of living are doing things different. It happens that several of these are handled in a more acceptable way for the average citizen than in the US. Some situations are the same, and a few turn out better in the US.
Freya the Wanderer 2 months ago
True patriotism is not "My country, right or wrong." True patriotism is being willing to criticize what is wrong with your country and taking what measures you can to improve it: petitions, voting, peaceful demonstrations, etc.
Load More Replies... Bald Panda 3 months ago
Friendly reminder that if you click on articles like this or interact in other ways (commenting on posts, up/downvoting posts, upvoting the whole "article"), it only teaches the algorithm "oooo this is popular, more content like this please!". So just downvote and move on with your day. We all know that the 'America ain't perfect' content is excessive on here. No need to comment the same. Just downvote and move on. BP aren't gonna read the comments, only take the number of comments as a measure of success. And yes I realise that by commenting I have added to the issue, just taking one for the team to try and help out.
Sergio Bicerra 2 months ago
I'm gonna follow your advice. Like, is funny to mock the USA (a lot) but is the country that opened its arms to my sister and BIL and they're happy there, so I should be a little more thankful on their behalf to their people.
Load More Replies... LSD 3 months ago
As an Australian, this list left me feeling sad, angry and totally bewildered for anyone who “lives” in America.
Amy E 3 months ago
It’s hard to leave friends and family, careers and homes. And I love the weather in CA. but yeah…my friends and I at least talk about what it’d be like to leave…
Load More Replies... Tamra 2 months ago
But you do appear to be a bigoted douchebag, so congrats on that.
Load More Replies... Amy E 3 months ago
Was this almost unreadable for anyone else, only bc the page refreshed constantly, putting me back at the beginning? F****** annoying af.
Bat cat in a hat 3 months ago
Yeah it happens a lot to me for a few weeks now (I'm using a laptop)
Load More Replies... Gypsy Lee 2 months ago
Another selective h*te-on-America post that fails to acknowledge every country has bad things going on. No, we're not perfect, but guess what - neither is any other country. The whole trendy h*te America thing is getting old BP. If you HAVE to do h*te articles spread the love around, otherwise, it makes you look biased. I'm disappointed. For "Perfectly capturing life in the US" - you failed. Horribly. I thought you might have one positive thing to say, but no. And for the h*te I'm going to get for posting this; If BP laser-focused on only the bad in any other country the author would be shut down. Be honest. If America fell off the earth tomorrow the Karens of the world would find a new country to rip apart. Not everything in the US is horrible - you get to see the drama that sells stories. Nobody shows the normal positive stuff. - If this comment upsets you, ask yourself why. (deleting negative comments doesn't justify this article and the h*te it generates)
You May Like “Like Something In A Movie”: 36 Hospital Workers Share Their Wildest Stories 30 Life Hacks People Have Used Since They Discovered Them Because They Actually Work 30 Photos From ‘Nineties Anxiety’ That Might Remind You How Incredible That Decade Was
Gabija Saveiskyte
Ilona Baliūnaitė
Mantas Kačerauskas
Related on Bored Panda
